3 Truths and a Lie About Shoulder Replacements

Total shoulder replacements are an effective and well-used method to help patients struggling with debilitating issues with one or both shoulders.  Arthritis, age, and accidents and injury can all contribute to candidates who qualify to have a total shoulder replacement.  Few complications are reported, but some do experience some negative experiences with the healing process as well as surgery complications. And some suffer injuries so severe they seek justice through a shoulder replacement lawsuit.

Shoulder replacements are effective.  This is a true statement.  Many of those that have completed a total shoulder replacement experience less pain than before the surgery and have a better range of motion.  Complications can arise, but the number that report complications is low.  If a patient has complications that arise, a shoulder replacement law firm is a good option to consider looking in to. Total surgery replacement also helps those by removing severe pain that the patient has experienced for lengthy amounts of time.  Many return to enjoy the activities they love doing with their new shoulder.

Shoulder replacements take time to heal.  This is also a true statement.  Weeks after the surgery, most people can return to sedentary work only.  This is because any excess movement or strain on the new shoulder can cause a major delay in healing as well as proper movement further down the road.  It takes approximately a full year before patients really can use their shoulder pain-free like they did before it became difficult.

Other methods may be explored before surgery.  This statement is also true.  Doctors may try steroid injections, physical therapy, an arthroscopy, cortisone, and other types of medications to see if range of motion and less pain can be achieved before replacing the shoulder.  If the shoulder is truly bone-on-bone, then the person may indeed be the perfect candidate for a total shoulder replacement.  If these methods provide only short-term comfort, then other options will be considered.

All patients suffering from shoulder pain are eligible for replacements – This statement is one of the lies spread.  Total shoulder replacements can only be done by physician-approved individuals who qualify for a replacement.  Patients that do not display disabling symptoms or those that have infections are unlikely candidates of replacements.  Also, those that may have nerve diseases that affects the joints will not be eligible.  Any patient that displays paralysis or even loss to the rotator cuffs and muscles are also not candidates for total shoulder replacements.  Scans and X-rays will be completed and studied thoroughly by the doctors to determine if they are indeed a total shoulder replacement candidate possibility.